Warning issued as Storm Amy is set to bring strong winds and heavy rain to UK

Storm Amy is expected to develop rapidly as it approaches the UK on Friday, 3rd October, bringing very strong winds and heavy rain to many northern and western areas of the UK, the Met Office confirmed.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Tom Crabtree said that, although the exact track of Storm Amy remains uncertain, it is expected to bring gale-force winds across northern and western regions, with gusts widely reaching 50–60 mph inland in northern Britain and potentially 70–80 mph in some areas.

Even stronger gusts are possible on exposed coasts and hills, particularly in the northwest.

“Heavy rainfall is also expected, in particular over western Scotland, where totals could exceed 30-50 mm in six to nine hours, increasing the risk of localised flooding. Forecasts and warnings will be updated as the situation becomes more clear, therefore it is important to keep an eye on the forecast for your area over the coming days,” he continued.

Possible disruption

Met Office warnings highlight the possibility for disruption to transport, power supplies, and outdoor activities, especially from Friday evening into Saturday, 3rd and 4th October.

A yellow rain warning is currently in place for heavy rain, which is continuing to affect western Scotland throughout today, 1st October, and tomorrow, 2nd October, allowing large rainfall totals to build up. The heaviest rain is expected over hills and mountains.

A further 30-50 mm of rain is forecast to fall in Scotland, with as much as 60-80 mm over west-facing mountains from late Wednesday through to Thursday night.

How you can protect yourself and your farm, NFU Mutual advises

Before the storm:  

• Stay alert for Met Office weather warnings.   
• Regularly inspect your farm and keep on top of maintenance by carrying out necessary repairs to buildings, fences and walls while the weather is calm.   
• Check that tiles, slates, and roofing sheets are in place, and put away any items that cannot be secured.   
• Avoid being near barn doors if there are high winds.  

• Make sure gutters are not leaking and are clear of leaves and other debris.   
• Protect and lag water pipes in vulnerable areas, and know where the water supply is so that you can turn it off in the event of burst pipes.    
• Ensure you have a good tree inspection programme in place, paying particular attention to trees bordering buildings, roads, railway lines and rights of way.   
• Prepare for power cuts: have torches and batteries to hand, and make sure any generators are ready to use if required.   
• Plan evacuation routes to get staff and livestock to safety in the case of extreme weather, such as floods – identify higher ground that you can move livestock to in the event of flooding.   
• Have your insurer’s emergency helpline available.  

During the storm:   

• Do not leave the house or make journeys unless absolutely necessary.   
• If you need to leave the house, avoid the sheltered side of walls when walking.   
• If journeys are essential, drive slowly and carefully, staying aware of high winds on exposed roads and ice and water on the road.   
• Do not attempt emergency repairs during the storm.   
• Keep all building doors and windows closed.   

After:  

• Be aware that after a storm or weather event, power cables or powerlines may have been brought down.    
• Don’t enter any buildings that could be unsafe following a storm.   
• Report any damage to your insurer as soon as possible.    

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